ITALY: Italians hope the change in government in France could help establish a better political strategy across Europe, one that encourages economic growth

Record ID: 861866

  • Title: ITALY: Italians hope the change in government in France could help establish a better political strategy across Europe, one that encourages economic growth
  • Date: 8th May 2012
  • Summary: ROME, ITALY (MAY 7, 2012) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF CARS IN TRAFFIC PEOPLE ON WAY TO WORK (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ROME RESIDENT, ONOFRIO CAPOGROSSO, SAYING: "I hope with a socialist President (in France) we can re-impose a European-wide political strategy aimed not only at cuts in spending, but also at development and growth, because without development the austerity packages are doomed to failure as people who cannot work obviously cannot follow the austerity measures affectively." VARIOUS EXTERIORS OF NEWSPAPER STAND
  • Embargoed: 23rd May 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Italy
  • City:
  • Country: Italy
  • Topics: International Relations,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA873I4QOFJNQ7MGW48XAE7J4W5
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: Italians hoped on Monday (May 7) the results of the French elections could help spur economic growth across Europe.
    Whilst slightly concerned over the swing to the right in the Greek elections, Italy's citizens appeared to herald any change that may help improve their lot.
    Moderate socialist Francois Hollande beat conservative Nicolas Sarkozy in France after a bruising campaign dominated by the same anger over the economic crisis that has felled 10 other European leaders since late 2009. Also angry voters in Greece rejected the two ruling parties for imposing harsh wage and spending cuts, resulting in a weak political situation in the country.
    "I hope with a socialist President (in France) we can re-impose a European-wide political strategy aimed not only at cuts in spending, but also at development and growth, because without development the austerity packages are doomed to failure as people who cannot work obviously cannot follow the austerity measures affectively," said Rome resident Onofrio Capogrosso.
    Italian newspaper headlines all ran with Hollande's victory. "Hollande wins, Europe's challenge re-opens" ran one headline while another read, "France and Greece change Europe".
    "I hope this French and Greek result will give us a push towards more serious attention towards jobs, the youth and to kick start our economies," said resident Sergio Germano.
    "I think this is a very important change to the European equilibrium," said Rome resident Mauro Beschi.
    "Europe is too directed towards austerity measures, which just kills growth and stops countries not only from growing, but the lack of growth also stops us from paying back our debts and this will all be dumped on the shoulders of the youth," Beschi added.
    Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti telephoned Francois Hollande after his victory in France's presidential election to discuss the need for close collaboration between Rome and Paris on policies to promote economic growth.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register